Iran temporarily closed a portion of the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday (February 17th) as negotiations between the United States and Iran were taking place in Switzerland. Iranian state media reported that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was conducting military exercises in the waterway, citing “security precaution” as the reason for the measure.
According to Iranian state media, the Revolutionary Guard’s “Strait of Hormuz Intelligence Control Exercise” aims to enhance Iran’s combat readiness and deterrence capabilities, with activities including live ammunition firing. The temporary closure of the strait is intended to ensure shipping safety.
The Strait of Hormuz, located between Oman and Iran, is recognized as one of the world’s most important chokepoints for oil transport. Data from the market information company Kpler shows that in 2025, around 13 million barrels of oil were transported through the strait daily, accounting for approximately 31% of the global seaborne oil trade volume.
Jakob Larsen, Chief Security Officer of the Baltic and International Maritime Council (Bimco), the world’s largest international shipping association, noted that Tehran’s move may cause inconvenience and delays for shipping entering the Persian Gulf but would not lead to significant transportation disruption.
Larsen pointed out that the exercises designated live-fire zones in separation areas and required shipping vessels to steer clear of the zone within hours. Given the tense situation in the region, commercial shipping is expected to comply with the requirements.
This is the first time since U.S. President Trump threatened military action against Iran in January that Tehran has announced the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Previously, Iran closed the waterway during the 1980s amid the war with Iraq.
As Tehran made the decision to partially close the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. and Iran were engaged in nuclear issue talks in Geneva, Switzerland, seeking to resolve disputes over Iran’s nuclear program. The talks, mediated by Oman, took place at the Omani diplomatic mission in Geneva, following the previous round held in Oman on February 6th.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated after the talks that both sides had reached an understanding on “guiding principles.” He expressed hope for negotiations to achieve a sustainable solution through consensus that aligns with the interests of relevant parties and the broader region.
He added that this progress did not mean an agreement would be reached quickly, as there is still much work to be done, but it had “opened a new window.”
According to a U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity, while progress has been made in the U.S.-Iran talks, further discussions are needed on many details. The Iranian delegation will present more detailed proposals in the next two weeks to narrow the differences.
Araghchi also met with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency, in Geneva on Monday (February 16th) to discuss the agency’s role in facilitating an agreement.
President Trump stated his plans to indirectly participate in talks with the Iranian side and remarked, “I think they want to make a deal. I don’t think they like the idea of facing consequences if they don’t make a deal.”
Following the conclusion of the U.S.-Iran talks, oil prices saw a decline, erasing previous gains. International benchmark Brent crude futures for April fell by 1.8% to $67.48 per barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude for March dropped by 0.4% to $62.65 per barrel. Some reports indicated that oil prices had risen due to increased U.S. military activities before the negotiations.
Recently, the U.S. has bolstered its military presence in the Middle East, including deploying the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its accompanying fleet to the region.
Currently, the aircraft carrier strike group is located in the central Atlantic. It is expected to arrive near the Iranian coast in over a week.
Last week, U.S. forces shot down an Iranian drone that approached the USS Abraham Lincoln.